Millwall 0 v 1 Leeds United

Coca-Cola Championship

As a keen sailor Peter de Savary is used to choppy waters but some would say stabilising Millwall could prove to be a challenge greater than the high seas. GLENN EBREY was at the New Den ...

THE Essex-born entrepreneur steps into the Lions den this week as he takes over as chairman of the Championship side.

He takes the helm of a team still rooted to the bottom of the league following Saturday's last-gasp 1-0 defeat against Leeds United.

Mr de Savary has built a successful business empire since the age of 16, with interests in everything from shipping to property.

The former America's Cup captain has no obvious affinity towards Millwall but says he is fully committed to the task of reviving the club's fortunes.

He said: "I believe I am the right man in the right place at the right time.

"I am looking forward to taking Millwall to further success."

The new chairman has promised his players training breaks at his luxury retreats as a reward for victories.

He has also moved to reassure Millwall fans he will not use the club's Den home to benefit his other business interests.

Mr de Savary added: "I am certainly not looking to change the nature of The Den.

"This is Milwall's home and where we will continue to play football."

Supporters group Millwall Fans United hope the new chairman will help to get more people through The New Den turnstiles.

Spokesman Nick Hart said: "I think the general feeling among the fans is we are cautiously optimistic.

"We want to see the new chairman reach out to the core fanbase and try to recover some of the fanbase we have lost."

Mr Hart also hopes Mr de Savary will stick by the club's current manager.

He added: "I would urge all fans to get behind Colin Lee.

"He has performed minor miracles since he has been here."

Millwall have been without a chairman since a turbulent summer which saw Jeff Burnige resign the post after just two months in charge.

Former chairman Theo Paphitis, who took charge on a temporary basis, says he is confident the club has "a very bright future", now Mr de Savary is at the helm.

Mr Paphitis added: "I was determined to ensure Millwall is entrusted into safe hands and the incoming chairman has the best interests of the club at heart. Peter de Savary fits the bill."

Mr de Savary was due to address the crowd before his first match in charge, last night's Carling Cup clash with Birmingham City.

On the pitch Millwall's mini-revival ended at the weekend, as they slipped to an agonising late defeat against high-flying Leeds.

The Yorkshire side had the best of the first half, with both Eddie Lewis and David Healy hitting the post with powerful drives.

Millwall played with plenty of spirit but rarely tested Leeds keeper Neil Sullivan, with Barry Hayles missing their best chance.

Goalkeeper Colin Doyle, making his debut after signing on loan from Birmingham City, looked to have won the Lions' a point after making a superb late save to deny Jonathan Douglas.

But two minutes into injury time Healy's volley took a cruel deflection off substitute Ben May to earn Leeds their first victory at The Den for 71 years.

Colin Lee could not hide his bitter disappointment after the injury-time own goal.

He said: "The game deserved to be a draw and to lose like this was hard to swallow.

"I know there weren't a lot of goalmouth chances yet it is probably a reflection on a team at the bottom to lose to a goal like that.

"It would have been an end to a really good week if we had got a draw against Leeds. This was a bit of a sickener, I must admit."

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell said: "David Healy said if his shot hadn't taken a deflection it was going in the top corner anyway and I believe him."

Millwall: Doyle, 8; Robinson, 7; Williams, 7; Whitbread, 7; Ifill, 6; Dunne, 8; Elliott, 6; Craig, 7; Dyer, 6 (May, 77, 6); Hayles, 7; Asaba, 6.

Subs not used: Vincent; Fanguiero; Cogan, Braniff.

Att: 8,134.

Who is Peter de Savary?

- Dad-of-five Mr de Savary was born in Essex, in July 1944.

- His business career of 45 years has seen him dabble in many areas such as petroleum, shipping, property and hospitality.

- He owns a number of internationally renowned retreats, including Skibo Castle, in Scotland the venue for Madonna's wedding to Guy Ritchie.

- The sailing fanatic led the British team in the America's Cup in 1983. He also boxed and played football in his youth.

- Lions fans look away now Mr de Savary grew up watching football at Craven Cottage cheering on Fulham with his grandparents who lived close to the ground.

- He once bought Lands End and John O'Groats for a total cost of £9m.